Letters to a Dyslexic by Dr. Michael Ryan

Dear Young Dyslexic,

Let me introduce myself. My name is Michael Ryan and I’m a psychologist and teacher who has worked in the area of dyslexia for over 30 years. I am also very dyslexic. That means that I've been struggling with dyslexia for almost 60 years now. I am writing this letter in part to try to help you, but it is also a way for me to organize my thoughts and experiences concerning dyslexia. In each letter, I hope to cover an important topic for a teenager or young adult. I want to share my knowledge and insights but also my feelings and experiences. Since you hate to read almost as much as I hate to write I will keep them short and to the point.

As we start out on this venture, I believe I have a lot to offer. I've struggled with dyslexia all my life and I'm a pretty sneaky rascal. More importantly, I have had the great fortune to work with hundreds of dyslexics. While my colleagues have spent years arguing whether dyslexia exists, I have been talking and listening to my fellow dyslexics. Most of what I know about dyslexia I learned from dyslexics. This information I believe is worthwhile. But please understand that this is only the start of a discussion. The things I believe may be right or they may be wrong. I need your feedback. If we can start a dialogue, then I believe we all can learn.